Search - Ed Vezinho / Jim Ward Big Band :: Smile

A music fan from NJ

Mark | EHT, N.J. USA | 04/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This cd is extrodinary. Even though there's no lyrics there is emotion and a deep feeling within. The arrangments just make the moods change from so mellow to an excitement unexplainable. For those that love the Horn(trumpet) the solo in #3 Not While I'm Around is great. While Those inspired with Sax and the Flugelhorn will enjoy Flurry. If I could sum this CD in one word it would be INTENSE. Great Job Ed and Jim !"

Great Big Band

Mark | 04/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Smile" is an accurate representation of the excellent Ed Vezhino/Jim Ward Big Band. The band consists of the finest musicians from the Atlantic City/ Philadelphia areas. The charts are fresh and exciting. The soloists are all outstanding both technically and musically. Thank you for the great music."

An old tradition with new energy

Dave Hartl | Telford, PA United States | 06/13/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD, a big band project by Philadelphia/Atlantic City musicians, should go a long way in dispelling the "New York City seconds" stereotype these musicians sometimes have to deal with. The energy is really high voltage, showcasing a tight blazing brass section, a supple reed section, fine, imaginative arranging,and great solos all around. Production is crisp and a fine sense of humor and cameraderie permeates the whole shebang.Too many modern big band albums suffer from overexposure to a museum state of mind, more concerned with preservation of a tradition than forging ahead with the creative impulse. Not this one. You can hear the love and respect the players have for the big band sound, but you can also hear the life they bring to this. Most CDs in this style languish on my shelf after a couple of hearings to check them out. This one has found a permanent home in my multi-CD jukebox; I want instant access to it! A stellar independent project. I just hope it finds enough success to finance another one by these guys."